Trench Rescue Programs

Trench Operations

30 hour

This 30-hour program meets and exceeds the knowledge, skills, and abilities requirement of the NFPA 1006 standard.
Registration of Trench Operations includes access to the Online Trench Awareness course, which must be completed prior to the start of the course. The Trench Awareness coures also included the knowledge objectives for Trench Operations, so we can spend as much time as possible in the field instead of the classroom.
This course is designed to provide as much practical hands-on experience, so be prepared to get dirty. Note: classes will NOT be postponed due to light rain – so dress accordingly.

April 22-24 August 26-28

Trench Technician

50 hour

This 50-hour program meets and exceeds the knowledge, skills and abilities requirement of the NFPA 1006 standard.


  • Classroom Portion (10 hours):
  • Shoring strategies and tactics
  • Collapse patterns and types
    Soil mechanics
  • Calculating soil forces
  • Rescue specific tabulated data
  • Best practices for trench rescue shoring
  • Victim release from entrapment and medical considerations
  • Case studies

  • Shoring collapsed trenches
  • Technician Shoring Team duties
  • Technician Panel Team duties
  • Technician Entry Team duties
  • Team leader decision making
  • Technician level shoring operations
  • Intersecting trench shoring
  • Deep trench operations (15-20 feet)
  • Replacement shoring
  • Supplemental shoring
  • Cross shoring the “repair” hole
  • End Wall shoring
  • Spreader struts
  • Proper use of “variable” strut pressures
  • Risk/ benefit and Factors of Safety
  • Inside walers
  • Outside walers
  • LVL walers
  • Cantilever walers
  • Use of Isolation Devices
  • Use of hand held penetrometers
  • Rigging and use of trench boxes
    Stabilizing and lifting
  • Coordinated use of heavy equipment and equipment operators
  • Equipment inventory and restoration
    The last day will include a challenging technician trench rescue scenario!

May 18-22 Sept 14-18

Advanced Trench Symposium

50 hour

Designed to fill the gap between NFPA requirements and real-world problems that don’t neatly fit into a category. The Advanced Trench Symposium is intended to provide instruction for Instructors, Rescue Squad Officers, and other team leaders who need to be ready with a plan when things go “sideways”.
This class is a 4-day intensive class that will push you out of your comfort zone. It is collaborative and hands-on.

June 15-19 Sept 28-Oct 3

We (Literally )Wrote the Book

MUSAR’s Trench Rescue Program stands on the shoulders of one of the field’s most respected pioneers, Ron Zawlacki—retired Battalion Chief with the Pontiac Fire Department and coauthor of the definitive textbook on trench rescue. Known by many as the “Godfather of Trench Rescue,” Ron’s leadership and innovation helped shape the national standards and best practices used today. Ron remains an active part of our programs—still teaching, mentoring, and getting his hands dirty whenever he can. His influence continues to guide every lesson, scenario, and hands-on skill we teach.

B/C Ron Zawlocki, Pontiac FD (Ret.)
Course Manager

Chad Godfrey

Chad Godfrey is the current course manager for the MUSAR Trench Rescue Programs. He will provide his bio when he is G.D. good and ready! Until then, all you need to know is that he is a really a good guy.